Process for decorating ceramic tiles

Abstract

Process for decorating ceramic tiles including the following steps: a) the pressing of powders so as to form a pressed item; b) the forming, during the pressing of the item, of recesses that affect the face that is meant to remain in view, these recesses being peripherally surrounded by a rim the extension whereof matches the contour of the decoration to be obtained; c) the application, in these recesses, of preset doses of mixtures and/or enamels of decorative material that have a fluid consistency that allows these mixtures to spread so as to cover the bottom of the recesses; and finally d) the final baking of the item.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Process for decorating ceramic tiles, comprising the following steps: a) pressing powders for forming a pressed item, said item comprising a decoratable surface;   b) forming on said surface, during the pressing step, at least one recess, said at least one recess being peripherally surrounded by rims, said rims having an extension which matches a contour of a decoration to be obtained;   c) preparing a decorative material product for application in said recesses, said product having a fluid consistency;   d) applying, in said recess, preset doses of said product having fluid consistency, said product spreading in said recess surrounded by said rims which have the extension matching said contour of a decoration;   e) baking said item,   f) polishing said item for obtaining a finished decorated surface.   
     
     
       2. Process according to claim 1, wherein said pressed item is pre-baked (biscuit baking) prior to the application of the product. 
     
     
       3. Process according to claim 1, wherein said decorative material product is applied in said recesses for expanding to reach a level of said rims. 
     
     
       4. Process according to claim 1, comprising two recesses, the rims of said recesses being arranged at different levels. 
     
     
       5. Process according to claim 1, comprising at least two recesses, the rims of said recesses having different thickness. 
     
     
       6. Process according to claim 1, wherein said product having fluid consistency is selectable from a mixture of decorative materials and a barbotine of colored enamels, said step of applying said doses of product being carried out by means of volumetric dosage devices. 
     
     
       7. Process according to claim 6, wherein said mixtures of decorative materials and said barbotine of colored enamels have a pasty consistency which is in any case such as to ensure filling of the recesses. 
     
     
       8. Process for decorating ceramic tiles, comprising the following steps: a) pressing powders for forming a pressed item, said item comprising a decoratable surface;   b) forming on said surface, during the pressing step, at least one recess, said at least one recess being peripherally surrounded by perimetric containment rims, said rims having variable height levels and an extension which matches a contour of a decoration to be obtained;   c) preparing a decorative material product for application in said recesses, said product having a fluid consistency;   d) applying, in said recess, preset doses of said product having fluid consistency, said product expanding in said recess to reach the height level of said containment rims for providing exposed surfaces at various levels;   e) baking said item.   
     
     
       9. Process according to claim 8, wherein said pressed item is pre-baked (biscuit baking) prior to the application of the product. 
     
     
       10. Process according to claim 8, wherein the tile is polished after baking. 
     
     
       11. Process according to claim 8, comprising two recesses, the rims of said recesses being arranged at different height levels. 
     
     
       12. Process according to claim 8, comprising at least two recesses, the rims of said recesses having different thickness. 
     
     
       13. Process according to claim 8, wherein said product having fluid consistency is selectable from a mixture of decorative materials and a barbotine of colored enamels, said step of applying said doses of product being carried out by means of volumetric dosage devices. 
     
     
       14. Process according to claim 13, wherein said mixtures of decorative materials and said barbotine of colored enamels have a pasty consistency which is in any case such as to ensure filling of the recesses.